Thiago Motta Adamant Bologna Have Nothing to Prove Against Roma

Bologna manager Thiago Motta runs mind games ahead of Monday’s Serie A top-four six-pointer against high-flying Roma. Speaking to the press in the build-up to Rossoblu’s upcoming trip to the Stadio Olimpico, he tried to relieve his side of the pressure, insisting others have a point to prove and not them.

“Nothing changes for us, there is no obsession, but only the responsibility to do the best,” the highly-rated Bologna boss said, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio. “Which we have been doing since day one. We do our best every day and in the game. 

“The only thing that matters is to be ready to put in a great performance. It doesn’t have to be pressure for us. The pressure has to be there at other clubs,” Motta concluded. 

Motta’s statement is not far from the truth. Bologna head into proceedings in fourth, four points clear of fifth-placed Roma. But Daniele De Rossi’s men have a game in hand, and with six rounds left, they could still spoil Rossoblu’s valiant attempt to seal a first top-four Serie A finish in the 21st century. 

As the Champions League gears up for a new format, even a fifth-placed finish could secure a seat at Europe’s top table next term. That doesn’t mean Bologna can afford to rest on their laurels, especially after drawing their last two league outings, including a dismal 0-0 home stalemate against Monza in the previous round. 

To better understand the size of the task awaiting Bologna on Monday, Roma thumped Milan 3-1 in the return leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday.